· SIQUIJOR, Oct 22 (PIA)--The
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor encourages farmers to
adopt hydroponics and other alternative methods of gardening and farming in a
seminar on the subject recently.
In his opening
statement, DOST-provincial director, Engr. Mario E. de la Peña said that the
purpose of the activity is to raise awareness on other alternative methods of
gardening.
De la Peña said DOST is
not competing with the Department of Agriculture in its promotion of organic
farming but rather complements its efforts.
Siqujodnon farmer
scientist Antoine Cyrus Garso who has hydroponics produce as supply to major
beach resorts in the province was one of the guest speakers.
Garso discussed the
basics of hydroponics, benefits, pros and cons and practical examples based on
his actual experience.
“Global warming has
become a bigger issue today and with all the benefits of Hydroponics, it may be
the way to “‘go green‘“, he said.
Hydroponics gardening
requires no soil. Water can be recycled so it is advantageous in areas with
less supply of water, Garzo added.
Due to container
mobility, hydroponics enables farmers to grow crops in the area of use thus
reducing transportation costs,” he further disclosed.
Another guest speaker,
Kevin Leopard discussed on the crucial role of nutrients and pH in the
hydroponics system.
In his presentation,
Leopard discussed that the growth and health of plants in hydroponics system is
controlled by the amount of nutrients and pH level in the nutrient solution so
it is extremely important to monitor the process.
To supply the missing
nutrients, he recommended the use of high quality, prepackaged sterilized
mixtures.
He however cautioned
plant growers to remember that different growth phases require different
concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK).
“During vegetative
growth, you will want a fertilizer with high nitrogen and low phosphorus and
during fruit production you will want one with high phosphorus and low in
nitrogen,” he added.
As to organic
fertilizers which the farmers can use, he disclosed two most ideal types.
These are worm castings
and bat guano, both contained a dense amount of nutritional content that the
plants consume to support their growth, according to Leopard.
He also said that
incorrect pH levels led novice or even experienced growers to believing that
their plants aren’t getting enough fertilizer, which is not the problem.
“When pH level is out of
optimal range, the growth rate of plants will slow down. Plants grow best when
the pH level of the nutrient solution is kept at a range of 6.2 - 7.0,” he
added.
Asked on her impression
about the hydroponics seminar, Izel Daug-Quidlat a faculty member of the
Siquijor Provincial Science High School and currently coaching an investigatory
project said she was grateful she was invited to the seminar.
Quidlat said that
because of the seminar she and her student were able to gather additional
information they could use in their investigatory project.
Another farmer scientist
from the municipality of Lazi, Peter Paul Jutba said he was also grateful upon
knowing that hydroponics, contrary to common notion, can be easily adopted by
farmers as alternative method of farming especially during droughts.
The training-seminar was
attended by farmer scientists in the province, representatives from the
Municipal Agriculturist Offices of the different LGUs, and representatives from
the academe. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek
Abing/DOST)